Ostriches bring Vietnam many advantages

It has been nearly 10 years since Vietnam
introduced ostriches into the country, but now these huge birds are playing a role in
domestic tourism.

It all began when the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development received 100 ostrich eggs as gifts, which soon led to the
establishment of an ostrich farm in Ba Vi, Ha Tay. Since then, ostriches have
developed and can be seen in over 30 provinces in the country.

Ostrich rides

Ostriches on Hon Thi Island are fixed with imitation leather saddles now
take tourists for rides. Le Lam Dung, deputy director of Long Phu Tourism
Company, said the company opened its ostrich farm 10 years ago, but not until
last year did the firm begin to use ostriches as a tourism product.

Ostrich as food

Over 100 years ago, people started eating African tamed ostrich meat. Now,
the Vietnamese enjoying this source of protein as food experts tell of the
advantages that this meat offers: it is good for health; it doesn't contain fat
and sinew; it has low cholesterol levels; and is a good source of protein.

Ostrich for fashion

Every part of an ostrich is valued in Vietnam. Ostrich leather, which is
said to be firmer than crocodile leather, is used to make coats, wallets, bags,
belts, etc. Once the leather is processed into retail goods, the price is high,
which has presented itself as a new and interesting business opportunity.

The Head of an ostrich leather enterprise in Nha Trang said his
establishment can't meet the demand for fashion products made from ostrich
skin.

Ostrich feathers are also highly valued and can be used to make brushes for
computers and other precision equipment. In addition, egg shells and talons of
ostriches can be used to make jewellery and other handicrafts.